In Memory
George Byers, Jr.
December 16, 1937 ~ March 06, 2026 (age 88)
George Byers Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Elkhart, Indiana on Friday, March 6, 2026. He was 88 years of age.
He was born on December 16, 1937 to George and Anabelle (Mayberry) Byers in South Bend, Indiana. He was the third of four children. George fiercely loved his siblings, who preceded him in death (Mable Taylor, John Byers, and Ruby Patterson) and cherished his relationship with them.
As for many black men born during this time, George’s lot in life was not easy; however, that did not stop his love and compassion for people, nor his work ethic and determination. George’s work ethic was innate and was evident from the time that he was a child. As a little boy George would sell ice on his bike, set pins at bowling allies, or wash dishes at restaurants to earn money, as he assumed the responsibility of supporting his family. His work ethic translated into his passion for athletics, where he proved to be a star athlete. A proud 1958 graduate of South Bend Central High School where he excelled in mathematics and as he set records in football with the most yards per carry (8.5 yards to be exact). During this time, when Junior Walker and the All-Stars were coming up, Young George had aspirations of being a famous crooner and often sang on street corners with his friends.
George has had many jobs throughout his career, from working at Platt’s Trailer, the Studebaker Plant and Frangs Gas Company. However, he retired from Selmer where he worked for 37 years. During his time at Selmer, he was the first black man to be a part of the Bargaining Committee and served as Union Stewart. In his role as Stewart, he was able to influence HR policies, contract negotiations and much more. He won a great deal of respect and admiration and became responsible for assisting with the hiring of many black employees at Selmer. Although he lived in a time where it was difficult for his voice to be heard he always made his presence felt.
George met Willie Jean Bryson at the roller rink and they married shortly after. Through their union they raised six children, Stephanie Elaine (Ernest) Hodnett of Indianapolis, Indiana, George Lee (Alfraretta) Byers, Sr. of Elkhart, Vicki Lynn (Sam) Jerideau of Charleston, South Carolina, John Avery (Ruth) Byers of Elkhart, Robert Jerome Byers of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Adrian Allan (Joetta) Byers also of Elkhart. They also had one child that passed away at birth. George loved all of his children and took pride and joy in supporting them however he could, and they loved and adored their father.
George is survived by his Cousin Junita Perason of Los Angeles California, all of his children, a ton of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. George was an avid sports enthusiast, who loved roller skating, bowling, playing cards, and watching cowboys and Westerns on TV. He was a kind and gentle man with a sense of humor that could brighten any day. The only thing bigger than him was his beautiful smile. To know George Byers Jr. was to love him and he was and is loved beyond words.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Byers, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
March 14, 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Agape M. B. Church
248 W. Wolf Ave.
Elkhart, IN 46516
Funeral Service
Saturday
March 14, 2026, 12:00 PM
Agape M. B. Church
248 W. Wolf Ave.
Elkhart, IN 46516
Committal
Saturday
March 14, 2026, 2:00 PM
Rice Cemetery
400 James Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
Added 03/17/2026 0632 GMS
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